There’s only one way to get from Lucerne to Montreux, and that’s on the Golden Pass train. The route is relatively short and straightforward. And yet it transports you between two languages, along the shores of several pristine lakes, and across three of Switzerland’s most stunning regions.

Some of the most beautiful rail routes in Switzerland country don’t have fancy names or floor to ceiling spotless glass windows, but there’s something quite dramatic about boarding a train called the Glacier Express in the shadow of a mountain called the Matterhorn.

If you’re a fan of scenic rail routes, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Europe. The continent will treat you to an array of spectacular scenery, from dramatic mountains to crystal clear lakes, through vast forests and along stunning rivers. There are dozens of scenic train routes in Europe that have the potential to captivate and excite you, but here are 7 of the best.

Is it still even worth getting a rail pass if you have to pay reservation fees? Keep reading and you’ll soon know everything you need about rail pass reservation fees and why a rail pass is still a great option for spontaneous European travel.

Spain was a late bloomer when it came to rail transport. The country only finished its main-line rail network in the late 1800s – a good 25 years behind Britain. These days, you’ll find very few signs of this sluggish start to rail travel in Spain, particularly if you travel between major cities.

So you’ve read about the ins and outs of rail travel in Europe, identified a few dozen cities you’d like to visit, and decided that you like the sound of exploring Europe with a Eurail pass. But with so many options, how do you know which one’s right for you?

I spent three months travelling Europe with a rail pass, so you don’t have to. Or, hopefully, so you can do it with ease. A carefully researched rail pass can save you a ton of cash and provide you with amazing flexibility to explore the continent at leisure.